NFU vice-president dies at 37
20 July 2000
NFU vice-president dies at 37
by FWi staff
RICHARD Watson Jones, the youngest ever vice-president of the National Farmers Union, has died suddenly at the age of 37.
Mr Watson Jones passed away while on holiday in Portugal on Wednesday (19 July) evening after a short illness, said a statement from the NFU.
Ben Gill, NFU president, paid tribute to Mr Watson Jones, saying was greatly respected by everyone in the farming community and gave his all to farming.
Mr Gill added: “In his short time since his election to the officeholder team he had embraced the role with determination and dedication.
“The staff and officeholders of the NFU will be stunned at this tragic news.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family. He will be sadly missed, not only by those who knew him, but the whole industry.”
Mr Watson Jones was elected as the youngest ever vice president in the NFUs history at the unions AGM in London last February.
After winning the contest, he told Farmers Weekly that he was determined to use the role to make a difference for farmers.
“I entered farming politics in the late 80s because I wanted to have an influence and to make a difference,” he said.
“If I did not think that I could help all farmers through the NFU I would not have gone for this job.”
Before being elected as vice president, Mr Watson Jones chaired the NFU potato committee and was a council member.
He had a reputation of being forward-looking and had chaired a working group which recommended the union should be more accountable to members.
Of the groups 42 headline recommendations 36 were accepted outright.
Mr Watson Jones was a director of his familys 1100-acre business in Shropshire which farmed arable crops and had a 150-cow dairy herd.
His NFU activities also included terms as the chairman of the Newport branch, and chairman of the Shropshire Arable Crops Committee.
He leaves his wife Helen and two children Katherine (12) and Jonathan (10).
- Challenge is not poisoned chalice, FWi, 11 February 2000
- Gill re-elected as NFU chief, FWi, 02 February 2000
- Richard Watson Jones, FWi, 27 January 2000
- Making the union more relevant, FWi, 27 March 1998